NITSCH x Schiit Pietus Maximus Release/Impressions Thread

[zilax002]

I too vote for separate DAC rather than the internal card.

It's always nicer to have flexibility on external unit, plus the internal card makes the unit warmer/hotter.

You don't lose the ability to use an external DAC.

There's a toggle.

So for $150 it's just a plus and gives more flexibility.

 

[twigfarm]

I'm planning on picking one of these up when they're in stock again. Having trouble deciding if I should add the ESS card. I already have a Mojo 2 and Denafrips Ares 12th that I can use as a DAC - but perhaps the ESS card will give its own flavor of sound? Anyone using the Mojo 2 as a DAC that can vouch for any flavor advantages of the ESS ES9028 over it depending on mood?

Secondly, does Schiit ever release upgraded DAC cards so if I hold off on the card there may be another newer card I can add someday?

I'm pretty sure your Mojo & Ares DACs will run rings around either of the cards you can buy for the PMax but , yes, it would definitely add another "flavor". If someone who has both cards could chime in & give their opinion on their sonic differences, that might be helpful to you. In MY experience, ESS-based DACs have sounded a little dry & one dimensional to me. Just my opinion based on what I've owned, tried & heard elsewhere.

 

[comatoastd]

I'm pretty sure your Mojo & Ares DACs will run rings around either of the cards you can buy for the PMax but , yes, it would definitely add another "flavor". If someone who has both cards could chime in & give their opinion on their sonic differences, that might be helpful to you. In MY experience, ESS-based DACs have sounded a little dry & one dimensional to me. Just my opinion based on what I've owned, tried & heard elsewhere.

The ESS card is slightly more detailed and defined; slightly bit more narrow. The MB card is slightly softer/smoother and gives you a bit more of that 3 dimensional feel. Do note, the ESS card has been revised by Schiit after moving from AKM and the MB card is still the original design I believe. Because of that the MB card has a lower output voltage than the ESS card (might matter if you have really hard to drive headphones). Personally, I think the ESS card synergized better than the MB and if you want the MB card, you’d might be better off getting a Modi Multibit instead for the full RCA voltage output.

Edit: If you decide to not go with a dac card, there are other cool options as well.

1) Phono Pre-Amp Card
2) An extra RCA input card - don’t think it’s listed on Schiit’s website but I believe CeeTee said you can email them about it
3) Nothing. Use the switch as a hard mute switch

option 1 & 2 will require self-installation but it’s pretty simple to do

 

[Hyde00]

You don't lose the ability to use an external DAC.

There's a toggle.

So for $150 it's just a plus and gives more flexibility.

lol yeah I know but I still feel like separate unit retain value better when you're trying to sell it too.

Usually internal card is probably only worth $50 in value. Where as separate dac I think will retain resale price a bit better.

So unless space is really an issue I'd generally not recommend internal card.

Though if people were to bring this to work and use as all in one unit, then in that case probably internal card is ok lol.

 

[zilax002]

lol yeah I know but I still feel like separate unit retain value better when you're trying to sell it too.

Usually internal card is probably only worth $50 in value. Where as separate dac I think will retain resale price a bit better.

So unless space is really an issue I'd generally not recommend internal card.

Though if people were to bring this to work and use as all in one unit, then in that case probably internal card is ok lol.

You may be right about resale value.

That's a fair point.

If I had a flagship DAC there'd probably not be much point.

 

[Hyde00]

If I had a flagship DAC there'd probably not be much point.

Lol yeah I remember people recommending Gungnir as the best DAC pairing actually.

 

[michael2v]

I'm planning on picking one of these up when they're in stock again. Having trouble deciding if I should add the ESS card. I already have a Mojo 2 and Denafrips Ares 12th that I can use as a DAC - but perhaps the ESS card will give its own flavor of sound? Anyone using the Mojo 2 as a DAC that can vouch for any flavor advantages of the ESS ES9028 over it depending on mood?

Secondly, does Schiit ever release upgraded DAC cards so if I hold off on the card there may be another newer card I can add someday?

My DAC card just died in my Pietus after just under a year of use, although I have another ESS card that’s been in almost constant use in an Asgard 3 for almost four years, so take that for what it’s worth!

 

[zephyrstar]

I just got one of these second hand here. No DAC, feeding it with my RME ADI.

The RME's headphone output is good and I love all the features but even with EQ I couldn't quite get it "there".

I'm happy to say the Pietus adds the warmth and slam I was missing!

I've only listened to it for a few hours so far but with the extra juice is really noticeable with my Atrium Closed. Definitely the best closed back experience I have had so far (way better to my ear than the MDR and Stellia).

For the price point it's phenomenal IMHO.

 

[CEE TEE]

My DAC card just died in my Pietus after just under a year of use, although I have another ESS card that’s been in almost constant use in an Asgard 3 for almost four years, so take that for what it’s worth!

Sorry to hear this! If you send me an email, I can replace your card...

 

[michael2v]

Sorry to hear this! If you send me an email, I can replace your card...

Thank you kindly for the offer! I actually RMA'd this with Schiit, since I had gotten the card directly from them.

 

[michael2v]

Does anyone happen to know if the Pietus comes with the DAC module standoff screw already fastened, or does it ship with the DAC cards from Schiit?

I am selling my ESS module on the classifieds and want to make sure I include everything needed for the buyer, but can't for the life of me remember if the standoff screw was already in the Pietus. Thanks in advance!

(Maybe to be safe I'll just send it, and if I ever install another module I will have to beg Christian to send me one!)

Edit: actually it's all coming back to me now, I think the standoff itself comes with the card (just looking at pictures from the Nitsch website, the board picture has no standoff). I think that's right...right?

 

[CEE TEE]

Does anyone happen to know if the Pietus comes with the DAC module standoff screw already fastened, or does it ship with the DAC cards from Schiit?

I am selling my ESS module on the classifieds and want to make sure I include everything needed for the buyer, but can't for the life of me remember if the standoff screw was already in the Pietus. Thanks in advance!

(Maybe to be safe I'll just send it, and if I ever install another module I will have to beg Christian to send me one!)

Edit: actually it's all coming back to me now, I think the standoff itself comes with the card (just looking at pictures from the Nitsch website, the board picture has no standoff). I think that's right...right?

Hi Michael,

No standoff is standard with amp only…the standoff + 2 screws are an installation kit for the DAC card modules!

 

[Blindranger]

@CEE TEE - Is there a way to get notified of the next drop of Pietus Maximus? I missed the last drop.

 

[mikecheck95]

Bought one of these to pair with my LCD-5. I didn’t want to spend a ton on an amp as my experience in the past was that amps don’t do as much as people think they do. This amp colours things just enough… really takes an otherwise clinical headphone like the LCD-5 and gives it some life.

It’s quite a good source for the LCD-5 (I suspect it would be for the MM-500 too) as well. I suspect it delivers solid current especially in high gain which sounds the punchiest to me.

I generally run this with Crinical’s EQ which is my favourite and better than anything I can come up with myself. It probably subtracts around 5db from the preamp volume.

All in all, a great amp that does what I think a lot of people want their amp to do.

 

[CEE TEE]

@CEE TEE - Is there a way to get notified of the next drop of Pietus Maximus? I missed the last drop.

Hi @Blindranger I have been working with Schiit for more, they have been really busy with lots of changes...I will ping you when the next amps come in!